Cats on Broadway

When I was younger my parents bought me a VHS tape of the Cats production on Broadway. Like most people, for me Cats was an acquired taste, and I had to watch it several times before I even liked it. But eventually I fell in love with the songs and the dancing, and watched the film over and over again.

When I heard Cats was being revived on Broadway I knew I had to go see it in person.

Here are a few things you need to know about Cats to fully understand what’s happening (don’t worry, these aren’t spoilers)! First, it’s about a tribe of cats, called Jellicle Cats, who get together every year for the Jellicle Ball. The Jellicle Ball is essentially a reunion where they gossip about misbehaving cats, recognize noteworthy cats, and put forth their suggestions for the chosen cat. Then the evening concludes with Old Deuteronomy, the eldest and most esteemed cat, deciding which Jellicle Cat is the chosen cat, and gets a chance to be reborn into another cat life.

The show only has singing and dancing (no speaking!) so if you don’t know its basic premise then you can feel a little lost. Luckily I’m looking out for you!

The cats dance throughout the audience too, which makes the performance really engaging.

Cats production photos by Matthew Murphy

The white cat is always the best dancer in the show, and when I was little I wanted to be her!

Cats production photos by Matthew Murphy

During intermission the audience is allowed to go onstage, which is fun and unique.

It was neat seeing what the theater looks like from the performers’ perspectives.

And Old Deuteronomy was nice enough to stay onstage and take pictures with everyone.

Then the second act began, which has my favorite song: Macavity, The Mystery Cat!

It also has a reprise of the song I hate: Memory.

Ugh, that song is the worst! It’s just so annoying!

Cats production photos by Matthew Murphy

Cats production photos by Matthew Murphy

If I have one criticism of this production, it’s this: in the video version I have, every movement each performer makes is done in a feline manner, making it very obvious they carefully studied how cats move and incorporated it into their mannerisms. I didn’t feel like this cast was on the same level in this regard. Sure they did the choreographed cat movements, but they didn’t seem to embody the essence of being a cat in the way the earlier production had.

Cats production photos by Matthew Murphy

But it was still a great show, and I definitely think you can’t call yourself a Broadway lover if you haven’t seen Cats in person.

Cats production photos by Matthew Murphy

To get tickets to Cats on Broadway, click here. Hurry, you only have until December 30th!

Or you can try entering the ticket lottery, where you can get great seats for $40 each, here.

Now the songs are stuck in my head! All of them except for Memory, thank goodness!